NDFSI reviews a draft disaster plan to improve emergency preparedness, response and protection for people with disabilities.
By Jeremy Gwao
The National Disability Forum Solomon Islands (NDFSI) is holding a two-day workshop in Honiara to review and validate a draft Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan aimed at protecting people with disabilities during emergencies.
The plan seeks to strengthen the inclusion of people with disabilities in disaster preparedness, response, recovery and climate resilience efforts across Solomon Islands.
Speaking to Tavuli News, Lyida Raymonds, who works on disaster risk reduction and climate change with NDFSI, said people with disabilities continue to face barriers when disasters strike.
“People with disabilities must not be left behind when disasters happen. They need access to timely information, safe evacuation, appropriate shelter and humanitarian assistance, just like everyone else,” Raymonds said.
She said disaster preparedness must consider the different needs of people with disabilities before an emergency occurs.
“We need to make sure our disaster plans are inclusive from the beginning, rather than trying to address accessibility issues after a disaster has already happened,” she said.
Group discussion (Members of Physical Impairment ) Photo: Tavuli News- Solomon Islands
The draft plan outlines proposed actions, coordination arrangements and responsibilities to support people with disabilities before, during and after emergencies.
The workshop brings together stakeholders to examine the plan, identify gaps and recommend changes before it is finalised and endorsed.
Discussions are also considering how the plan aligns with national disaster management policies, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and humanitarian inclusion standards.
Participants are taking part in presentations, group discussions and review sessions to provide feedback and agree on proposed amendments.
The workshop also highlights the importance of accessible information, suitable evacuation arrangements, sign language interpretation where required, and other support to enable people with disabilities to participate in disaster preparedness and response.
Raymonds said stronger coordination among government agencies, disability organisations and humanitarian partners would be important to putting the plan into practice.
“Having a plan is an important step, but what matters most is how it is implemented. We need clear responsibilities, stronger coordination and ongoing monitoring to ensure people with disabilities are included in disaster management,” she said.
The National Disability Forum Solomon Islands aims to have the draft plan validated, stakeholder feedback incorporated and implementation responsibilities clarified. Participants are also expected to discuss a roadmap for implementation and monitoring.
The plan is intended to strengthen the safety, protection and participation of people with disabilities in disaster management across Solomon Islands.
